Luck of the draw

Party with zombies, leprechauns, divas, pints and pipers this weekend

Last year, more than 2,000 people showed up for the Young Irish Fellowship Club's Forever Green bash (no wonder it's billed as Chicago's largest St. Patrick's Day benefit). This year's 34th annual get-together features headlining act the Larkin and Moran Brothers, plus The Trinity Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers pipe band, The Weber Band and The Chancey Brothers. The modest ticket price ($40-$65) also includes an open bar. Lucky you. 5 p.m. Friday. Proceeds benefit Maeve McNicholas Memorial Foundation and Action Autism. Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-902-1943. Tickets: youngirish.com

PARTY PICKS

Fright night

We hear that zombies are plotting a Rogers Park takeover, thanks to The Flesh Hungry Dog Show. The monthly queer-friendly rock 'n' roll variety show features a zombie theme with live music by Death Metal performer Loto Ball, punk rock group The Balkaners and all-female rock band Yesterday's Lies. Keyboardist Rich Experience, burlesque dancer Ms. Bea Haven and DJ Sky work the graveyard shift too. Dress like a zombie for a shot at a $50 Pleasure Chest gift card. 9 p.m. Friday. $8. Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark St. 773-743-5772.

Everybody's Irish

We love the fact that the entire month of March gives way to St. Pat's-inspired festivities. Case in point: Paddy Long's Irish Music and Beer Fest, featuring live music by the Gareth Woods Band and late DJ sets by O'Darell (10 p.m.). Drink specials include $4 Michael Collins Irish Whiskey shots and $4.50 Beamish pints. 4:30 p.m. Saturday. No cover. 1028 W. Diversey Pkwy. 773-290-6988.

A real circus

There's a new dance party in town, and it's named, simply, The Party. The new endeavor boasts a circus theme for its debut at The Griffin Lounge (you might know it as Climax) and offers free face painting, balloons and cotton candy. Take your picture with a pony at the door (um, hello PETA?), groove to DJs and sing karaoke while waiting in line for the restroom. 9 p.m. Friday. No cover. 326 W. Chicago Ave. 312-280-9800. R.S.V.P. required: vip@maxwellandcarter.com

What's cookin'?

Maybe it's wishful thinking, but chili season is almost over, so get it while it's still hot at Sidetrack's 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Sample meat, vegetarian and seafood varieties from more than 15 local restaurants -- including Chicago Diner, Hamburger Mary's and Lawry's The Prime Rib -- as they compete for your votes and $1,000. Includes one drink and $5 raffle tickets for a shot at Bulls tickets. 2 p.m. Saturday. $10. Proceeds benefit The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 3349 N. Halsted St. 773-303-0167.

BEST OF THE REST

Paddy procession

Edison Park offers a small taste of next weekend's massive St. Pat's parades with the Northwest Side Irish Parade. Bagpipers, drummers, Irish dancers and bands work the parade route, which steps off at Onahan Elementary School (6334 W. Raven St.) before heading west on Raven Street to Neola Avenue, south to Northwest Highway and west to Harlem Avenue. While you're in the 'hood, stop by new watering hole The Curragh Irish Pub (6705 N. Northwest Hwy.) for live Irish tunes at 2 p.m. and $5 20-ounce Guinness pints. 11 a.m. Sunday. Free. 773-848-8421.

Diva delicious

Like a little sauce with your scramble? The Spot's weekly Diva Brunch delivers. Hosted by performance duo Scooty and JoJo (Scott Bradley and Jonny Stax), the new take on dinner theater features cabaret, musical and drag performers during a prix-fixe brunch that includes an entree, cocktails, tea and coffee. Sunday's debut features comedian Lesley Lee, drag queen Vallery Dolls and musical numbers by the cast of "Kama Sutra The Musical: Vegas Bound ... and Gagged." Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. $35. 4437 N. Broadway. 773-728-8934.